Learning in libraries: A public space to expand your knowledge

Learning in libraries: A public space to expand your knowledge

For many, learning requires the use of a quiet space to gather thoughts and concentrate on information, yet studying in a library is often not the first place that comes to mind.

Learning helps us to grow an develop. It keeps our brain active and allows us to explore areas of knowledge that we may not have previously known existed. With the birth of the internet and the rapid advancement of technology, learning has moved from the traditional method of book-reading and library loans to Google-searching and interactive devices.

But this isn’t to say that libraries in the UK and other countries should be disregarded. As times change, so do the uses of libraries. Instead of having to visit a library to collect books, visitors can now use the library in a number of new ways.

A quiet space

Many people, young and old, struggle to find a quiet place to sit down and study. Whether this is due to living or work arrangements, or perhaps due to hectic schedules, sometimes using a library to work, doesn’t even spring to mind. However, the majority of libraries offer quiet places for people to come and work. Here, learners will be able to concentrate on studying without the distraction of noisy siblings or cramped work spaces.

Core to the community

Libraries are owned by councils, which means they are open to members of the public. In deprived areas that have high unemployment rates, community-based places like libraries, are crucial when it comes to creating opportunities and providing the tools to learn. In poor communities, libraries are often the only places where people have access to computers, and expensive books to complete assessments, or to further their knowledge.

In today’s society, libraries promote reading, offer access to information and anchor communities. They encourage learning and the development of any individual within a community. As the need to stack books decreases, library spaces are now being transformed into meeting areas and computing spaces.

A hub for e-learning

Since the introduction of the ‘Information Age’, libraries have adapted to provide public access to online information, often by providing free Wi-Fi to users. For those taking part in online training courses, the library is a great place to visit to complete these courses and share ideas with others. Along with other learners, visitors will be able to use the library facilities to aid their learning.

When learning any subject, one of the best techniques to help retain information, is to have discussions with other learners. By visiting a library, learners can meet new people and hear new thoughts and approaches relating to the area they are studying, which in turn, will help them learn.

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Author: Roger Moore

Roger graduated in economics from Warwick University and first had a career in teaching, progressing to head of business studies in a large comprehensive school. His long and varied marketing career included working for the world’s largest PR agency. He enjoys reading, swimming, country walking and watching and participating in racquet sports.

Gold and silver award winners at the Learning Technologies Awards 2017 - including gold for excellence in the design of learning content.

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